In the end, we get what we loved the most

The following is a column I wrote for Grandin Media, reflecting on the Herod’s actions around the feast of Epiphany.

A few weeks ago, we celebrated the feast of the Epiphany.

The Gospel proclaimed for Epiphany came from Matthew 2, and we often (rightly) spend a great deal of time contemplating the beautiful mystery of these three Magi, their journey, and the gifts they shared with our Lord.

On their journey, these three wise men encountered King Herod. While meeting with the Magi, he asked them to report back to him on the Messiah’s location – telling them that he, too, wished to come and pay Him homage.

Herod had no intention of worshipping the newborn king, but instead wanted to do whatever was necessary to stop the Messiah before he ever got started, as it would somehow infringe on Herod’s regime. When the Magi didn’t return to him, he ordered the massacre of the Holy Innocents in an attempt to not only protect his power but also to exercise his own authority over the will of God.